Biting Problem in Kids

Soumya, a marketing executive by profession and mother of 3-year-old Naksh, always finds herself in embarrassing situations when Naksh’s class teacher points out his habit of biting fellow kids. All Soumya manages to do is scold Naksh without getting to know if that’s solving the problem.

Well, it’s very common to see pre-schoolers biting other kids or people around out of anger or frustration. And most of the time, parents of such kids resort to either scolding or physical punishment to make kids mend their ways. But if go by the words of educational psychologist, Lyn Fry, all kids don’t really bite owing to anger or frustration. And parents must probe to find out what exactly is making their pre-schoolers bite.

Experts even suggest that parents must look at biting as kids’ mode of communication?it’s important for them to know what the child is trying to convey and they must respond accordingly.

Once you know the cause, you would be in a better state to help your child out by using the tailor-made method rather than stick to the common techniques applicable to all in general.

So before we delve into the ways of preventing, let us first get to know what all things trigger this habit in them, other than anger. Have a look:

1. Mode of expressing their emotionsSome pre-schoolers use biting as a way of expressing out their emotion. Though it may sound odd, but your child might use this as a mode of expressing his love to you. If the child uses biting as the mode of expressing emotions as love or happiness, he is most likely to bite people he is really close to like mother, father, sibling or a closed relative.

2. A way of experimentingYou must know this fact that your pre-schooler is still on an exploration spree. He is getting to know his body more clearly; and is trying to understand how his body functions. In an attempt to explore and understand things, they often put things in their mouth and nip them. It’s an impulsive behavior from their end and they never intend to hurt anyone.

3. An act of self-defenseThough your pre-schooler can express himself out verbally but many times he would opt for biting as a way of defending himself. He realizes that when he bites, people move away from him and this develops his trust in biting.

4. Getting things done their waySome pre-schoolers learn how biting helps gain attention from everyone around. They realize that it even helps them gain control over others and get things done their way. This is why they turn to biting whenever they want any of their demand to be fulfilled.

Ways to Deal with Biting Habit in Your Pre-Schooler

Whether they do it out of love or anger, biting does hurt people and kids must be refrained from doing so. However, at no point should you retaliate as it can be very dodgy. This will give them an impression that violence needs to be solved with violence only.

Therefore, you must be very calm and patient while dealing with this subject. You will have to help your child overcome this habit with love and affection. So, here check out the ways:

1. Take timely measuresIf you know that your child has this habit of biting others, you must take timely measures to deal with the same. If you find your child in a situation where he can bite the person nearby, make sure you either take the child away from there or ask the person to leave the place. At school also, keep the teacher well-informed about this habit of your child that would help her in dealing with the same with ease.

2. Reprimand your child with loveUnless you teach them what they are doing is wrong, your little ones will never mend their ways. But as we pointed out, don’t punish them physically or be harsh with your words. Tell them their habit is wrong but do it in a loving yet firm tone.

3. Introduce them to other ways of self-expressionAs said, some kids turn to biting in order to express themselves. You can help them overcome this habit by introducing them to other means of expressing their love, anger, happiness or any other emotion.

4. Be consistent with your effortsHelping the pre-schooler overcome this habit would call for consistent efforts from your end. You can’t expect your child to shun away the habit of biting overnight; it will take time and you will have to keep up with your efforts.

5. Make use of clear and positive wordsNegativity can never have a good impact on your child. You can only win them through love and positive parenting. Speak to them about this habit politely, tell them how it hurts others and causes them pain. Your love and positive approach will surely be a great help.

If your pre-schooler has the habit of biting, don’t feel anxious or overly worried. Deal with the situation calmly and just be persistent with your efforts, love and affection!

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